| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 325 | 23g | 3g | 26g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 6g | 10g | 0.65g |
Why I Love Israeli Green Bean and Tomato Salad with Tahini Dressing
There’s something incredibly special about the Green Bean and Tomato Salad with Tahini Dressing, a beloved Israeli dish that seamlessly marries the garden-fresh crunch of green beans with the robust tanginess of ripe tomatoes, all fused together with the subtle nuttiness of tahini dressing.
Infusing Mediterranean Depth
Inspired by Yotam Ottolenghi, a phenomenally gifted Israeli-British chef, this salad curiously connects with my own cultural fondness for bright, bold flavors and simple, yet impactful ingredients. Like in my hometown cuisine, the true magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and authenticity, where every ingredient works in harmony to create a flavor symphony. For instance, the red onion adds a mellow sweetness that perfectly complements the zip and zest of the fresh mint and parsley, while the garlic and lemon juice provide a tantalizing jolt of zest.
A Perfect Pairing
The Green Bean and Tomato Salad with Tahini Dressing finds its cousins in dishes like Salade Niçoise, a traditional Mediterranean salad from Nice in France, and Shalgam Salatası, a Turkish-style radish salad. Both salads bank upon the delightful combination of garden fresh produce heightened by rich, nutty dressings. Harmonizing well with grilled meats, it’s an excellent choice to pair alongside a classic Spanish tapas spread, like Patatas Bravas or Gambas al Ajillo, ensuring a menu that’s buzzing with vibrant, international flavors.
Now, keeping my fondness for tropical cocktails in mind, imagine savoring this dish in the cool Miami breeze, its compelling Mediterranean charm enhanced by a chilled Mojito on the side. The burst of mint from the salad harmonizing with the crispness of the cocktail, the textures of the meal playing a tantalizing tango with your taste buds – it’s truly an epicurean extravaganza hard to resist.
So the next time you’re looking to bring the flavours of the Mediterranean into your home, give this Green Bean and Tomato Salad with Tahini Dressing a try. Trust me, it’s a culinary journey you would want to embark on, over and over again.
What You’ll Need
Method
Step One
Start by preparing all the ingredients – wash the green beans thoroughly, and trim their ends. Cut the tomatoes into thin wedges. Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Roughly chop the fresh parsley and mint leaves, and keep them aside.
Step Two
Next, blanch the green beans. Simply bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add in the green beans and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and rinse the beans under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step Three
In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans, tomatoes slices, sliced red onions, chopped parsley and mint.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, make the tahini dressing. Mix together the tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic cloves. Stir until you get a smooth, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step Five
Finally, pour the tahini dressing over the green bean salad. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated in the dressing. You can serve the salad immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for a bit to let the flavors meld together.
